Knowing Him: The True Purpose of Studying the Bible

 

*_Knowing Him: The True Purpose of Studying the Bible_*

The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to one central figure: Jesus Christ. To truly understand who He is and what He is like, we must delve deeply into the Scriptures. Too often, we study the Bible for the sake of theological arguments or to answer questions. While these pursuits are important, the main point of Bible study is to know Christ.

Jesus Himself emphasized this in John 5:39, saying, *"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."* The Scriptures testify about Jesus, highlighting His life, character, and redemptive work. Our primary goal in studying the Bible should be to know Him more intimately.

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but a unified narrative that reveals God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Luke 24:27, after His resurrection, Jesus explained this to His disciples: *"And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."* Every part of the Bible, from the Law and the Prophets to the Psalms and the Gospels, points to Jesus.

When we approach Bible study with the intent to know Christ, we begin to see His character and mission more clearly. Colossians 1:15-17 describes Jesus' supremacy and role in creation: *"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."* Understanding Christ's central role in creation and His sustaining power deepens our relationship with Him.

Moreover, Philippians 3:8-10 expresses the Apostle Paul's passion for knowing Christ: *"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."* Paul's ultimate desire was to know Christ deeply, beyond intellectual understanding, and experience the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Studying the Bible should transform our lives as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us of the purpose of Scripture: *"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."* The Scriptures equip us to live godly lives by drawing us closer to Christ and shaping us into His likeness.

By focusing on Him as the central figure of Scripture, we deepen our relationship with our Savior and become more like Him. Let the Word of God lead you to a greater understanding and love for Jesus, the true focus of the entire Bible.